Archive for the ‘spy shots rendering’ Category

Blasphemy. That’s probably the first thought of any purist considering the creation of an all-electric Ferrari. Blasphemy and sacrilege. FCA head Sergio Marchionne would agree. In 2016, at the Geneva International Auto Show, the CEO remarked that the idea of an all-electric Ferrari was “an almost obscene concept.” Later that year, at the Paris Auto Show, Ferrari’s Chief Technical Officer, Michael Leiters, echoed Marchionne’s sentiment, albeit in slightly softer terms. “We would not follow to develop a fully electric car,” Leiters said, adding, “We are convinced that it’s right to have a hybrid car because, for us, the sound is a very crucially important characteristic of a Ferrari, and our customers want to have this.” Fair enough. Thing is, even a flat-out rejection isn’t enough to stop a possible EV Ferrari. Let me explain.

First off, the sound. The howl of internal combustion is as important to the Ferrari brand as red paint, and we get that. This is a company lives and dies by its engines. The thing is Ferrari is already testing the waters – turbocharged models have been around for decades now, and electrification is integral to the performance of the “ultimate” LaFerrari hypercar. What’s more, Sergio Marchionne has already discussed the possibility of entering Formula E. Throw in continued EV development from competitors like Porsche and McLaren, and relevancy starts to become an issue. Finally, there’s that old Enzo Ferrari quote: “Aerodynamics are for people who can’t build engines.” The point is this – never say never.

Continue reading to learn more about the all-electric Ferrari LaFerrari Successor.

Introduced in late 2015, the Bentayga is Bentley’s first-ever SUV. It’s also the most expensive and luxurious, factory-built SUV in the world as of 2017, as well as the quickest to 60 mph and the fastest in terms of top speed thanks to its brand-new, 600-horsepower W-12 engine. In 2016, the Bentayga also became the first Bentley to use a diesel engine, something that seemed incredible a few years back. Come 2017, and the rumors that the British firm is also working on a hybrid drivetrain for the SUV have been confirmed by a new prototype that was spotted testing in the wild.

Sporting an additional “fuel” cap, this test car was also registered with the British licensing agency as a hybrid vehicle, so there’s no doubt that Bentley is indeed stepping into the electrified territory. What’s still a mystery is the drivetrain, although I’m very positive that the electric motor is paired to a Porsche-sourced V-6 gasoline engine. There’s no word as to when it will break cover, but it’s safe to assume that Bentley’s first hybrid will show itself to the world by the end of 2017. Most likely it will happen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Continue reading to learn more about the Bentley Bentayga Plug-In Hybrid.

Introduced in late 2015, the Bentayga is Bentley’s first-ever SUV. It’s also the most expensive and luxurious, factory-built SUV in the world as of 2017, as well as the quickest to 60 mph and the fastest in terms of top speed thanks to its brand-new, 600-horsepower W-12 engine. In 2016, the Bentayga also became the first Bentley to use a diesel engine, something that seemed incredible a few years back. Come 2017, and the rumors that the British firm is also working on a hybrid drivetrain for the SUV have been confirmed by a new prototype that was spotted testing in the wild.

Sporting an additional “fuel” cap, this test car was also registered with the British licensing agency as a hybrid vehicle, so there’s no doubt that Bentley is indeed stepping into the electrified territory. What’s still a mystery is the drivetrain, although I’m very positive that the electric motor is paired to a Porsche-sourced V-6 gasoline engine. There’s no word as to when it will break cover, but it’s safe to assume that Bentley’s first hybrid will show itself to the world by the end of 2017. Most likely it will happen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Continue reading to learn more about the Bentley Bentayga Plug-In Hybrid.

The Peugeot 508 hasn’t been around all that long, having been introduced as an all-new model for the full-sized segment in 2011. It eventually spawned an Estate version and a crossover-like vehicle shortly thereafter. Now six years later, it’s about time for something fresh. As such, Peugeot is planning to usher in the second-generation model, and we just received the first round of spy shots. Word has it that the new 508 will ride on Peugeot’s new EMP2 platform, which is also found under the 308 and C4 Picasso. More importantly, however, is the fact that it’s overall design is changing so much that it will actually look more like a four-door coupe than a traditional sedan. Motivation will come from a range of gasoline and diesel engines, and there’s a plug-inhybrid being planned as well.

The next-generation 508 should offer some pretty significant improvements, too. It should get a larger offering of driver assistance technologies and maybe even some semi-autonomous features as well. So, what will the new 508 offer in terms of looks, comfort, and technology? Well, take a little walk with me, and we’ll talk more about it.

Updated 07/10/2017: The next-gen Peugeot 508 has been caught testing in wild for the second time. It has yet to drop any camo or show off signs of DNA from the Exalt Concept, but this time around we do get a small glance at its interior.
Expect to see it out and about at least one more time, hopefully with less camo, before making its debut sometime in early 2018. Until that happens, check out the interior section below to find out what we can make out so far.

The Peugeot 508 hasn’t been around all that long, having been introduced as an all-new model for the full-sized segment in 2011. It eventually spawned an Estate version and a crossover-like vehicle shortly thereafter. Now six years later, it’s about time for something fresh. As such, Peugeot is planning to usher in the second-generation model, and we just received the first round of spy shots. Word has it that the new 508 will ride on Peugeot’s new EMP2 platform, which is also found under the 308 and C4 Picasso. More importantly, however, is the fact that it’s overall design is changing so much that it will actually look more like a four-door coupe than a traditional sedan. Motivation will come from a range of gasoline and diesel engines, and there’s a plug-inhybrid being planned as well.

The next-generation 508 should offer some pretty significant improvements, too. It should get a larger offering of driver assistance technologies and maybe even some semi-autonomous features as well. So, what will the new 508 offer in terms of looks, comfort, and technology? Well, take a little walk with me, and we’ll talk more about it.

Updated 07/10/2017: The next-gen Peugeot 508 has been caught testing in wild for the second time. It has yet to drop any camo or show off signs of DNA from the Exalt Concept, but this time around we do get a small glance at its interior.
Expect to see it out and about at least one more time, hopefully with less camo, before making its debut sometime in early 2018. Until that happens, check out the interior section below to find out what we can make out so far.

It’s well known Ford is developing a midsizepickup for the North American market based on the current T6 platform used on the global Ranger truck. In fact, Ford has officially announced the Ranger will return to America in 2019, along with the iconic Bronco name fitted to a Ranger-based, body-on-frame SUV. Yet hidden deep in the Outback of Australia roams a suspicious Ranger test mule with taller ground clearance, wider fenders, a stubby front bumper, and beefy tires. Could Ford be preparing a Raptor version of the Ranger? We certainly believe so.

The Australia-based CarAdvice managed to snag spy shots of this Ranger Raptor testing in full camouflage and with the steering wheel on the left-hand side – something not found on Australian vehicles. The photos are just the latest morsel of information. Adding to the argument was Ford’s trademarking of the Ranger Raptor and Ranger FX4 names with the Australian government back in 2015. The Ranger FX4 is already in production, leaving the Ranger Raptor name ready for its limelight. Sadly, U.S. consumers have some waiting to do. Ford is launching the Ranger for the 2019 model year, but the Raptor version might not debut at the same time. After all, Ford didn’t release the second-generation F-150 Raptor until two years after the completely redesigned, 2015 F-150 hit showrooms. Then again, Ford would be smart to launch the Ranger Raptor alongside the standard Ranger, giving the pickup a definitive halo model. But timelines aside, let’s look at what we believe to be the upcoming 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor.

It’s well known Ford is developing a midsizepickup for the North American market based on the current T6 platform used on the global Ranger truck. In fact, Ford has officially announced the Ranger will return to America in 2019, along with the iconic Bronco name fitted to a Ranger-based, body-on-frame SUV. Yet hidden deep in the Outback of Australia roams a suspicious Ranger test mule with taller ground clearance, wider fenders, a stubby front bumper, and beefy tires. Could Ford be preparing a Raptor version of the Ranger? We certainly believe so.

The Australia-based CarAdvice managed to snag spy shots of this Ranger Raptor testing in full camouflage and with the steering wheel on the left-hand side – something not found on Australian vehicles. The photos are just the latest morsel of information. Adding to the argument was Ford’s trademarking of the Ranger Raptor and Ranger FX4 names with the Australian government back in 2015. The Ranger FX4 is already in production, leaving the Ranger Raptor name ready for its limelight. Sadly, U.S. consumers have some waiting to do. Ford is launching the Ranger for the 2019 model year, but the Raptor version might not debut at the same time. After all, Ford didn’t release the second-generation F-150 Raptor until two years after the completely redesigned, 2015 F-150 hit showrooms. Then again, Ford would be smart to launch the Ranger Raptor alongside the standard Ranger, giving the pickup a definitive halo model. But timelines aside, let’s look at what we believe to be the upcoming 2019 Ford Ranger Raptor.

Established in 1994, Swedish manufacturer Koenigsegg has developed into a notable sports car builder quite rapidly. The CCR and CCX of the mid-2000s placed the brand on the automotive map, while the Agera, introduced in 2010, established its reputation as a solid maker of limited-edition supercars. The One:1 and the Regera further cemented its place among iconic companies such as Ferrari, Bugatti, and McLaren. Come 2017 and Koenigsegg is working on new products, including a four-door sedan. Word has it we might also see an SUV in its lineup in the future, but Christian von Koenigsegg said, back in 2016, that such a project won’t happen. However, we believe that a people hauler is definitely on the company’s drawing table.

While it might not arrive in the immediate future, an SUV wearing the Koenigsegg badge is likely to happen beyond 2020. With Bentley having already joined the market and Lamborghini set to do the same by the end of 2017, Koenigsegg will probably find it difficult to say no in a few years. SUVs are becoming increasingly popular, and a high-performance luxury model would be quite popular among folks with deep pockets. That’s exactly why we created a rendering of a Koenigsegg SUV and put together a speculative review about what it may bring to the table.

Tesla hasn’t even put the model 3 into production quite yet, and it’s already working to generate hype around the Model Y – the car that will complete the S3XY lineup. So far there have been very few details revolving around the mysterious model, but recently more has come to light, including the teaser image that was just released at Tesla’s 2017 annual shareholder meeting. Originally slated to be underpinned by the same platform used for the upcoming Model 3, it is now being said that the Model Y will get its own brand-new platform that should be ready for production by the end of the decade. Much like the Model 3 is to the Model S, the Model Y should be a smaller and more basic alternative the Model X, offering up Tesla’s famed AutoPilot, but without all of the other niceties found in the brand’s more expensive models.

So, the plan is for the Model Y to go on sale for the 2019 model year, but as the story usually goes over at Tesla, 2019 will likely be the pre-order period with deliveries taking place by 2020 at the earliest. The Model Y would tackle models like the BMW i3 and Mercedes B-Class, among others. We should hear more about the Model Y when the Tesla Semi-Truck debuts in September. So, with that said, let’s take a better look at the rendering we created and speculate a little on what we can expect from the Model Y.

Updated 07/03/2017: Based on the recent details we got from Elon Muck we decided to create a rendering for the upcoming Tesla Model Y. Let us know what do you think about it in the comments section below.

When BMW first showed off the i-brand concepts, we had no idea we would see production models so fast. In what seemed like just a few seconds in the grand scheme of things, we were looking at production models of the BMW i3 and BMW i8. With the i8 Spyder Concept debuting in 2012, and the production version of the i8 hitting dealers for the 2015 model year, Bimmer fans everywhere have been itching for a production version of the i8 Spyder. So much, in fact, that the rumor mill has been working overtime and there have even been a few false sightings of the unicorn. But, either hell has frozen over or pigs have sprouted wings (or, maybe it’s both) because someone finally caught an official i8 Spyder prototype cruising in the middle of nowhere. They aren’t the best photos we’ve ever received, but the top is clearly down, and it appears to be every bit legitimate thanks to that “hybrid test vehicle” sticker prominently displayed on the rear fascia.

And, while we’ve all been waiting somewhat impatiently for the i8 Spyder, the fact that we’re finally seeing a prototype isn’t all that surprising. Just a few months ago, BMW CEO Harald Krueger not only confirmed the car was in the works, but that it had a production target of 2018! That means that we should see it in production form sometime toward the end of 2017. It’s doubtful that this is the i8 Spyder’s first venture onto public roads, so props to BMW for managing to keep it out of the public eye for so long. But, with that said, let’s talk a little more about what we can see from these few spy shots in my speculative review below.

Updated 07/03/2017: The new i8 Spyder is actually coming! BMW dropped the first teaser video for it!

Spy photos of the 2019 Ram 1500 give a clear indication the Mega Cab option is returning to the half-ton pickup – a feature not seen since its single-year run in 2008. But as pickups become evermore luxurious, Ram is undoubtedly pushing the envelope. As such, we can expect the next-generation truck to offer outstanding levels of luxury – and rear-seat legroom. The crop of spy photos also give a glimpse at the Ram’s all-new dashboard and front grille.

The photos, courtesy of Truck Trend, show the 2019 Ram 1500 in heavy camouflage. However, hints of the grille can be seen. It appears only horizontal bars are present, suggesting the iconic crosshair grille may be gone. It’s also possible Ram is using different grille designs to denote trim levels, just as currently does. Inside, the Ram wears a new dashboard. The design isn’t groundbreaking, but is more modern than the current dash. The Uconnect screen does appear larger than the current 8.4-inch unit. Thankfully, volume and tuning knobs return. Also visible is a conventional, three-knob HVAC controller, a bank of auxiliary switches, and a trailer brake controller. The rotary shift knob returns, too, as does a large TFT screen between analog dials in the gauge cluster. A smaller-diameter, leather-wrapped steering wheel caps off the new cabin.

Spy photos of the 2019 Ram 1500 give a clear indication the Mega Cab option is returning to the half-ton pickup – a feature not seen since its single-year run in 2008. But as pickups become evermore luxurious, Ram is undoubtedly pushing the envelope. As such, we can expect the next-generation truck to offer outstanding levels of luxury – and rear-seat legroom. The crop of spy photos also give a glimpse at the Ram’s all-new dashboard and front grille.

The photos, courtesy of Truck Trend, show the 2019 Ram 1500 in heavy camouflage. However, hints of the grille can be seen. It appears only horizontal bars are present, suggesting the iconic crosshair grille may be gone. It’s also possible Ram is using different grille designs to denote trim levels, just as currently does. Inside, the Ram wears a new dashboard. The design isn’t groundbreaking, but is more modern than the current dash. The Uconnect screen does appear larger than the current 8.4-inch unit. Thankfully, volume and tuning knobs return. Also visible is a conventional, three-knob HVAC controller, a bank of auxiliary switches, and a trailer brake controller. The rotary shift knob returns, too, as does a large TFT screen between analog dials in the gauge cluster. A smaller-diameter, leather-wrapped steering wheel caps off the new cabin.

It seems almost like almost every other day now brings news about some physics-defying all-electricsupercar. Outrageous output figures and broken records are pretty much the norm in this segment, with cars like the NextEV Nio EP9 or Rimac Concept_One setting new standards in electron-powered performance. Tesla is active in this space as well, earning a spot on our list of Top 5 All-Electric Performance Cars with its the venerable Model S P100D. The Model S might be a sedan, but it’s still got insane speed potential, posting a face-melting 2.3-second time in the 0-to-60 mph benchmark. Impressive? Certainly. But what if we went beyond the P100D and probed what was really possible with a few electric motors and an enormous battery pack? What about a true-blue Tesla supercar, a halo model with just two doors and a spec sheet capable of laying waste to all things internal combustion? What would that look like?

It’s a tempting proposition, but right away, there’s a problem. Tesla has adopted a “top-down” approach wherein the more expensive models come out prior to the less expensive models (for example, the Model S preceded the Model 3). So where does a super car fit into that equation? Obviously several years down the line, if at all, but that said, a supercar halo model would do well amongst well-heeled EV enthusiasts, not to mention bring even more attention to the California-based automaker. Sound good? We think so.

The Jeep Wrangler has been an icon of American independence since 1941 when the U.S. Government commissioned a small, go-anywhere vehicle that could support troops heading into battle. It was the Willys Overland company that won the design, and with the help of the Ford Motor Company, built thousands of MB Jeeps. Fast forward to 2016 and the Jeep spirit lives on within the Wrangler. The current Wrangler, known as the JK, got its start in 2007. An interior refresh in 2012 followed by a welcomed powertrain update in 2013 has kept the JK fresh, with sales far exceeding any Jeep vehicle in the past. Much of that success is thanks to the Wrangler Unlimited – the four-door version of the SUV. With room for five, all the capability of the standard Wrangler JK, and an exploding aftermarket support system, the Wrangler took off. Jeep sold more than 202,000 Wranglers in 2015 alone – surpassing 2014’s quota by some 27,000 examples. In fact, Wrangler sales have consistently grown by roughly 20,000 units since 2011. What other vehicle can say the same?!

Nevertheless, the Wrangler JK’s run is coming to a close. Jeep’s parent company, FCA, is now burdened with the daunting task of creating a new Wrangler – something that appeals to the masses yet somehow stays true to its roots. The Jeep loyalists are a tough bunch to please, so the new generation of Wrangler has to excel at everything. It has to handle better, offer more creature comforts, and more in-dash technology, yet still be cleanable with a garden hose, inside and out. Rumors have been slowly surfacing, so we decided to piece together what we had. This original rendering is based on both hearsay and solid information from FCA brass. Take a look below for both front and rear renderings. This is our best estimate of what the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL will look like.

Initially launched as a four-door version of the Celica in 1979, the Camry became a stand-alone nameplate in 1982. Since then, it has evolved into one of the most reliable and popular sedans on the market, especially in the U.S., where Toyota has delivered more than 200,000 units a year since 1988 and in excess of 350,000 examples since 1996. Currently the best-selling passenger car in North America, the Camry drove into a new generation for the 2018 model year.

While almost all new-generation vehicles get redesigns both inside and out, the new Camry is a massive departure from its predecessor. Not only given a new look, it’s also sleeker, sportier, and more stylish than its predecessor. It looks as if the new Camry was created to bridge the gap between the dull Toyota cars and the premium Lexus offerings. And that’s not a bad idea. As usual, the redesigned exterior is jointed by a revamped interior with new styling and updated technology. Toyota also took care of the drivetrain department by introducing three new engines, including a hybrid. So how good is the new Camry? Let’s find out the answer to this big question in the review below.

Update 6/21/2017: Toyota has announced pricing for the
2018 Toyota Camry, and the entry-level price increased by just $425. Check out the prices section below to learn all about it.

At one time, Hyundai was one of the best econobox suppliers out there, bringing affordable and efficient vehicles to those who, quite honestly, didn’t have much to spend. Fast forward to today, however, and the brand’s evolution has brought it to a place where its cars are quite luxurious, comfortable, and a pleasure to drive. One prime example of that is the Hyundai Sonata, which has now gone through an extensive facelift for the 2018 model year, bringing about a new and more aggressive exterior look, a revamped, balanced interior, and some enhancements under the metal that include revised suspension and steering systems, a new transmission, and some new safety features as standard equipment.

When the seventh-generation model debuted for the 2015 model year, the Sonata featured DNA from the HCD-14 concept and a few cues from the Hyundai Genesis. It was a big departure from the previous model, but sales still dropped from 2014 to 2015. So, Hyundai went back to the drawing board and revised its Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language into what you’re looking at here today – a car that means business and looks good doing it. Will its new looks, updated interior, and revised suspension be enough to give models like the Ford Fusion,Toyota Camry, and Chevy Malibu a run for their money? Let’s takes a closer look and find out for ourselves.

Introduced in 2007 to replace the ageing S-Type, the Jaguar XF was redesigned for the 2016 model year. The makeover brought an evolutionary restyling but turned the four-door sedan in a sportier proposition on the outside and a more luxurious vehicle on the inside. The XF also received new drivetrains, most notably the company’s recently launched 2.0-liter four-cylinder in both gasoline and diesel formats. The 3.0-liter V-6 was also carried over, but with significant upgrades. Unlike the first-generation model, the second-gen XF arrived without a wagon version. This changed for the 2018 model year when Jaguar launched a redesigned XF Sportbrake.

Making things that much better, it’s available in the U.S. too!

The Sportbrake’s return is a bit surprising, especially since Ian Callum, Jaguar’s director of design, once predicted the death of the station wagon. But, while I’d like to know what made him change his mind, I’m actually glad that the Sportbrake is back in dealerships and especially in the U.S., where the midsize market was limited to just two models, with a couple more available in other niches. Sure, it’s still ridiculous, but with three different products in the premium market, we finally have some proper action going on.

Do you like the idea of combining a sportssedan, an SUV, and a wagon? If so, then you’ll be happy to know that we’re finally getting details of BMW’s latest model: the 6 Series Gran Turismo. Set to go on sale in November of 2017, the 6 Series GT is initially available in three different variants, each of which gets their own engine. Power output ranges from 258 horsepower and 295 pound-feet up to 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet. But wait, there’s a ringer here too, as the 6 Series GT will be available at lunch with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel that’s good for 265 horsepower and a staggering 457 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the board, but all-wheel drive will be available on select trim levels if you’re willing to pony up some extra dough.

But, before we get into the nitty gritty, let’s just put it all on the table and point out that the 5 Series GT, the model this 6 Series replaces, performed horribly on the sales front, serving as one of the brand’s least popular models. So, BMW’s answer was to make it bigger and more luxurious and to pit it against models like the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7. So, will a bigger Gran Turismo sell better than the 5 Series GT it replaces, or should BMW give up on trying to make the Gran Turismo a thing? Let’s take a look at what we know so far and talk more about it.

A few years ago, Cadillac finally admitted that it’s way behind its competitors in the premium market and hired Johan de Nysschen, who devised a new strategy for America’s iconic luxury brand. The new plans includes a host of new models, of which the range-topping CT6 sedan and the XT5 crossover have already been launched. Come 2017 and Cadillac is readying the XT4, an even smaller crossover that will compete against the BMW X1,Audi Q3, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Spotted testing on public roads in February 2017, the XT4 is set to make its global debut in the first half of 2018.

When that happens, it will slot beneath the XT5. It will also become Cadillac’s third SUV and complete the largest crossover lineup ever alongside the XT5 and the massive Escalade.
While the larger XT5 is a replacement for the dated SRX and aims at the midsize luxury crossover market, the XT4 is actually a brand-new entry. And it’s not surprising that Cadillac wants a piece of the compact market, as this is where a lot of car makers are making huge profits. Having missed out on sales for so many years, Caddy is finally trying to catch up. The question is, will the XT4 be good enough to give the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 a run for their money?

Updated 06/14/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Cadillac XT4 out for a new testing session during hot weather conditions in Southern Europe.

We here at TopSpeed don’t shy away from exploring the weirder and wilder side of performance vehicles. In fact, we relish in it. Any chance we come across to break away from convention and blow your mind is worth it, especially if it gets the unruly mobs up in arms. And that’s exactly the sort of reaction we’re expecting with this – a performance-oriented Toyota Prius TRD. Here’s the formula – ditch the eco tires, slap on some real rubber, boost the engine, stiffen the suspension, add the proper cabin gear, and voila – the perfect solution to a dearth of jimmy rustlin’.

But here’s the thing – we’re actually totally serious. This isn’t some April Fool’s joke. We legitimately think there’s a real case to made for a performance Prius. Don’t believe us? Then read on. We dare you.